The Bidens, a family deeply immersed in American politics, carry with them an extensive history of experiences that go beyond the headlines.
Their journey, marked by personal triumphs and tragedies, reflects their resilience and dedication. From Joe Biden’s childhood struggles with stuttering to Jill Biden’s ongoing commitment to education, these lesser-known facts offer a glimpse into the lives of a couple who have shaped the nation in an impactful way.
Let’s take a look at the most fascinating details about the Bidens that you might not have known, shedding light on the personal lives behind their public personas.
Joe Biden’s Lifelong Stutter
Joe Biden has struggled with a stutter since childhood, a challenge he worked tirelessly to overcome. He often practiced speaking in front of a mirror and reciting poetry to gain control over his speech. Biden’s personal experience with stuttering has made him a passionate advocate for others facing similar challenges, especially children.
Jill Biden Is a Doctor of Education
Jill Biden holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from the University of Delaware, making her the first First Lady to continue her professional career while serving in the White House. She has spent decades as an educator, teaching English at community colleges, high schools, and psychiatric hospitals. Her dissertation focused on student retention at community colleges, reflecting her deep commitment to education.
Joe Biden’s First Senate Campaign Was a Long Shot
In 1972, Joe Biden ran for the U.S. Senate in Delaware as a 29-year-old underdog with little chance of winning. Despite being up against a popular incumbent, he won the election by a narrow margin, becoming one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate. His victory marked the beginning of a long and distinguished career in public service.
The Bidens’ Family Tragedy
Shortly after Joe Biden was elected to the Senate in 1972, his wife Neilia and one-year-old daughter Naomi were killed in a car accident. His sons, Beau and Hunter, were also injured but survived the crash. This devastating loss profoundly affected Biden’s life and career, driving his deep commitment to family and public service.
Jill Biden Advocates for Military Families
Jill Biden is a passionate advocate for military families, co-founding the Joining Forces initiative with Michelle Obama in 2011. The program focuses on supporting service members, veterans, and their families through education, employment, and wellness programs. Jill’s work is informed by her personal connection to the military—her father served in World War II, and her late stepson, Beau, was a Major in the Army National Guard.
Joe Biden’s Friendship with John McCain
Joe Biden and John McCain, despite being from opposite political parties, shared a deep and respectful friendship. Their bond was forged in the Senate, where they often found common ground on foreign policy issues. Biden delivered a heartfelt eulogy at McCain’s funeral in 2018, highlighting their shared values and mutual respect.
The Bidens’ Love Story Began on a Blind Date
Joe and Jill Biden met on a blind date set up by Joe’s brother, Frank. At the time, Joe was a widower, and Jill was finishing her degree at the University of Delaware. The couple married in 1977, and Jill became a loving stepmother to Joe’s two sons, Beau and Hunter.
Hunter Biden’s Artistic Pursuits
Hunter Biden, Joe Biden’s second son, is also an artist who has exhibited his paintings in galleries across the United States. His artwork, often abstract and colorful, has attracted attention from both art critics and the media. Hunter views painting as a therapeutic outlet, especially in the face of personal challenges and public scrutiny.
Joe Biden’s Role in Passing the Violence Against Women Act
In 1994, Joe Biden played a pivotal role in the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) as part of the Crime Bill. The act significantly improved legal protections for women facing domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Biden has often cited VAWA as one of his proudest legislative achievements.
Jill Biden Continued Teaching as Second Lady
During Joe Biden’s eight years as Vice President, Jill Biden continued to teach English at Northern Virginia Community College. She became the first Second Lady to hold a paying job while serving in the White House. Her dedication to her students and her profession underscores her belief in the power of education.
Joe Biden’s Amtrak Connection
Joe Biden earned the nickname “Amtrak Joe” for his commitment to riding the train between Washington, D.C., and his home in Delaware almost daily during his time in the Senate. He made over 8,000 round trips on Amtrak over the course of his Senate career. Biden’s regular use of public transportation became a symbol of his connection to the working-class Americans he represented.
The Bidens’ German Shepherds
The Bidens are dog lovers and have two German Shepherds named Champ and Major. Champ has been with the family since 2008, while Major, adopted from a shelter in 2018, became the first rescue dog to live in the White House. The Bidens’ dogs are a visible part of their family life, often seen playing on the White House lawn.
Joe Biden’s Work on Climate Change
Joe Biden has long been an advocate for addressing climate change, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection throughout his political career. As Vice President, he played a key role in the Paris Agreement negotiations. His administration’s climate agenda includes ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy.
Jill Biden’s Italian Heritage
Jill Biden, née Jacobs, is proud of her Italian heritage, with her grandparents having immigrated to the United States from Italy. She often speaks of the influence her Italian-American family had on her values, particularly the importance of family and education. Jill’s Italian roots are a central part of her identity, often celebrated in her cooking and traditions.
Joe Biden’s Love for Ice Cream
Joe Biden is famously known for his love of ice cream, often joking that he’s a “big ice cream guy.” He has been spotted enjoying the treat on numerous occasions, and his favorite flavor is reportedly vanilla with chocolate chips. This playful affection for ice cream has become a beloved and relatable aspect of his public persona.
The Bidens’ Connection to Ireland
Joe Biden’s ancestry includes Irish roots, with his great-great-grandfather emigrating from Ireland to the United States during the Irish Famine. Biden has often spoken about his Irish heritage, visiting Ireland several times and quoting Irish poets in his speeches. His connection to Ireland is a significant part of his personal and political identity.
Jill Biden’s Focus on Community Colleges
Jill Biden is a staunch advocate for community colleges, seeing them as crucial pathways to education and economic opportunity. She has consistently championed the role of community colleges in providing accessible education for all Americans. Her passion for this cause is reflected in her teaching career and her work as First Lady.
Joe Biden’s Catholic Faith
Joe Biden is only the second Catholic president in U.S. history, following John F. Kennedy. His faith has been a guiding force throughout his life, helping him through personal tragedies and informing his views on social justice. Biden regularly attends Mass and often references his Catholic beliefs in his public speeches.
Jill Biden’s Role in the Obama Administration
As Second Lady, Jill Biden was actively involved in initiatives supporting military families and promoting higher education. She co-founded the Joining Forces initiative and worked on various education-related projects alongside Michelle Obama. Her role extended beyond traditional ceremonial duties, reflecting her commitment to substantive public service.
The Bidens’ Beach House in Delaware
The Bidens own a beach house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, which they bought in 2017. The house serves as a family retreat, offering a peaceful getaway from the demands of public life. Rehoboth Beach holds a special place in the Bidens’ hearts, as it has long been a favorite vacation spot for the family.
Joe Biden’s Lifelong Love of Cars
Joe Biden has a well-known love for cars, particularly American classics. He owns a 1967 Corvette Stingray, which was a wedding gift from his father and has often spoken fondly of his memories of driving it. Biden’s passion for cars reflects his broader appreciation for American craftsmanship and innovation.
